Norman, Okla. – The University of Oklahoma women’s golf team finished in fifth place at the Windy City Collegiate Championships in Skokie, Ill., by recording a 54-hole score of 909 (+45) at the 6,350-yard, par-72 Evanston Golf Club. The Sooners shot a final-round 307 (+19) on Tuesday to finish 18 strokes behind champion Purdue.

“We were hoping for a top-three finish, but are still pleased with finishing in fifth,” OU head coach Carol Ludvigson said. “This team has a great attitude and never gives up. I am very proud of them.”

OU entered Tuesday play in third place and one stroke ahead of TCU and Arizona, but was bypassed on the leaderboard by both. TCU carded a final-round 297 (+9) for second place while Arizona shot a final-round 301 (+13) to finish in fourth. Michigan finished in third place.

Oklahoma sophomore Ellen Mueller notched one of her best career finishes by capturing third place out of 68 participants. Her final-round 77 (+5) gave her a total score of 220 (+4), marking a career best. Her 1-under 71 in the first round of the tournament also was a career best.

”The first tournament made us determined to show that we were a better team,” Mueller said in reference to the Ron Moore Invitational two weeks ago. “This week we showed that we’re able to beat a lot of teams. We just have to remain very calm and keep trying for pars.”

OU senior Kendall Dye shot a third-round 74 (+2), her best 18-hole score of the tournament, to end in a tie for ninth with a 224 (+8). This marks Dye's fourth career top-10 finish. Sophomore Sara Hemingway posted her best career finish by tyinig for 23rd place with a 230 (+14). She birdied three holes on Tuesday while shooting an 80 (+8).

Freshman Brooke Collins, playing in her second college tournament, finished in a tie for 40th with a 235 (+19). She had her best day on Tuesday with two birdies and a 4-over-par 76. Junior Chelsey Collins finished her first tournament of the 2008-09 season in 64th place with a 251 (+35). She also turned in her best performance in the third round, finishing Tuesday with three birdies and a 10-over-par 82.

“We beat some teams that will definitely help our ranking,” Ludvigson said. “We are excited to go to New Mexico State and try to put three rounds together and get four scores together that reflect our talent. We are looking for a win this next week.”

The next stop for the Sooners will be the Price’s “Give ‘Em Five” Intercollegiate on Oct. 13-15 in Las Cruces, N.M. The tournament will be hosted by New Mexico State University.

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